ABC News Live Highlights: Carlos Greer Assesses Holiday Films Amid Wide-Ranging National Stories

ABC News Live devoted its latest newscast to a broad slate of developments, from severe weather sweeping the Pacific Northwest to a detailed look at the slate of movies arriving in theaters for the holiday season. Entertainment reporter Carlos Greer joined the program to examine box-office prospects, while correspondents across the country covered political, legal and public-safety stories that unfolded on December 17, 2025.

Weather threats continue across several regions

The broadcast opened with an update on persistent rainstorms and flooding in the Pacific Northwest. Meteorologists reported that saturated ground and overflowing rivers have led to road closures and isolated power outages. At the same time, high-wind advisories were posted from the West Coast to parts of the Great Plains, pushing gusts strong enough to topple trees and disrupt air travel. Forecast models also indicated an unseasonably mild air mass moving eastward, setting up an expected nationwide warmup during Christmas week. Viewers were reminded to monitor local alerts and the National Weather Service for the latest warnings.

Economic message from the White House

In Washington, former President Donald Trump delivered a brief televised address that centered on inflation, consumer prices and broader concerns about affordability. He again criticized current fiscal policy, contending it has placed added pressure on household budgets. While no new legislative proposals were unveiled, the remarks signaled renewed focus on cost-of-living issues heading into the new year.

Foreign policy spotlight: tanker enforcement near Venezuela

The program then turned to maritime activity in the Caribbean, reporting on what officials described as an effective “blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela. U.S. naval and Coast Guard assets have been intercepting vessels accused of violating sanctions meant to pressure President Nicolás Maduro’s government. Analysts told ABC News Live that the operation is intended to tighten economic restrictions without escalating to open conflict.

Developments in high-profile investigations

Law-enforcement coverage included several separate cases:

• Brown University authorities released images of a person seen near a suspected shooter on campus. Providence police asked for the public’s help in identifying the individual.
• In Illinois, rescue crews pulled three people from an icy pond after their car left a roadway. Body-camera video showed first responders breaking windows to free the occupants.
• A small aircraft crashed in a wooded area of New Hampshire; the pilot survived and was treated for minor injuries.
• Prosecutors in Connecticut presented evidence against Nick Reiner, who faces murder charges in the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. The defendant appeared in court for a preliminary hearing.
• Federal sources said investigators still lack suspects and a motive in the shooting death of an MIT professor and nuclear scientist. Authorities continue to examine surveillance footage and digital records.

Capitol Hill and policy debates

Representative Kevin Kiley joined the program to discuss negotiations over the Affordable Care Act. He argued that lawmakers on both sides have failed to produce a stable compromise on insurance premiums and coverage mandates. Separately, Representative Mike Lawler commented on parallel House discussions over health-care funding. Both interviews underscored the likelihood of extended debate when Congress reconvenes in January.

Prison security and drone incursions

Correspondent reports revealed that state corrections departments are seeing a rise in contraband deliveries by unmanned aircraft. Prison officials demonstrated new detection systems and signaled support for federal legislation that would expand interdiction authority.

Carlos Greer examines holiday movie lineup

Entertainment segment host Carlos Greer shifted the show’s tone to box-office expectations between now and New Year’s Day. Greer noted that several major studios are rolling out big-budget titles alongside specialty releases aimed at awards consideration. Among the films discussed were a family-oriented animated feature, a science-fiction sequel and a musical drama anchored by an ensemble cast. Early ticket-presale figures suggest strong turnout for the highest-profile releases, while mid-tier productions may depend on critical reception and word of mouth. Greer added that overall domestic revenue for the season could approach pre-pandemic levels if favorable weather and positive reviews align.

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Legal rulings and sentencing updates

The newscast also covered a California court decision in which a doctor implicated in actor Matthew Perry’s death received a probationary sentence but avoided prison time. In Florida, Dan Bongino announced his departure as deputy FBI director, citing personal reasons during a brief statement.

International events and conflict zones

Overseas, reporters detailed a Russian drone strike that killed at least one person and injured two dozen others despite ongoing peace talks. Separately, Special Counsel Jack Smith was scheduled to testify in private before a House committee examining past elections and security protocols.

Sports, health and consumer notes

Other segments highlighted a 124-113 New York Knicks victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup, rising flu cases across the United States, and deadlines for shipping holiday gifts. Health experts warned that insurance premiums are projected to increase sharply next year, urging consumers to review coverage options before enrollment periods close.

The broadcast concluded with a preview of the award show calendar. Producers confirmed that the Academy Awards will migrate exclusively to YouTube starting in 2029, signaling a broader industry shift toward streaming distribution.

Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live